Which enzyme can withstand the high temperatures of PCR and synthesizes DNA?

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Multiple Choice

Which enzyme can withstand the high temperatures of PCR and synthesizes DNA?

Explanation:
PCR relies on a heat-tolerant enzyme to carry out DNA synthesis after primers have paired with the template. The enzyme that fits this role is Taq polymerase, a thermostable DNA polymerase originally from Thermus aquaticus. Its ability to withstand the high temperatures used during PCR allows it to remain active during the extension phase, adding nucleotides to the primers to build new DNA strands. Denaturation, annealing, and extension refer to steps in the cycle, not enzymes, so they don’t fit as the enzyme that synthesizes DNA under hot conditions.

PCR relies on a heat-tolerant enzyme to carry out DNA synthesis after primers have paired with the template. The enzyme that fits this role is Taq polymerase, a thermostable DNA polymerase originally from Thermus aquaticus. Its ability to withstand the high temperatures used during PCR allows it to remain active during the extension phase, adding nucleotides to the primers to build new DNA strands. Denaturation, annealing, and extension refer to steps in the cycle, not enzymes, so they don’t fit as the enzyme that synthesizes DNA under hot conditions.

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